Creating Your Academic Advising Plan
Academic advisors can help with so much more than picking classes or removing registration holds—they’re your partners throughout your college journey. From mapping out your goals to progressing towards graduation, advisors are here to support you every step of the way.
Your college experience is shaped by your own goals, interests, and timeline—there’s no one-size-fits-all path. Not sure where to begin? Below is a year-by-year list of topics you might want to explore with your academic advisor.
Keep in mind…
The suggestions below and a four year college plan isn’t the right path for everyone! Advisors are here to support your unique journey—the timing and approach will look different for each student, and that’s okay.
Year-by-Year Advising Topics
First year
- Get advice on how many credits to take in your upcoming semesters (after your first semester).
- Learn what a DARS report is and how it helps track your degree progress.
- Ask about ways to explore majors and career options through the Career Exploration Center (CEC), career fairs, and other campus resources.
- Ask about student organizations, fraternities or sororities, cultural centers, and other campus groups.
- Find out where to go for tutoring, writing help, and other academic support.
- Ask about opportunities and deadlines for scholarships or financial aid.
- If you’ve chosen a major, start discussing a graduation plan and how to meet degree requirements in your future semesters.
Second year
- Share what subjects you’re enjoying and how they connect to your goals and major options.
- Continue building a plan for completing required coursework.
- Ask about campus organizations, clubs, or experiences that align with your major and career goals.
- Ask about opportunities like volunteering, service learning, or undergraduate research.
- Explore options for studying abroad and how it could fit into your academic plan.
- If you’re interested, start asking about graduate programs or other continuing education paths.
- Discuss whether taking summer classes could help you stay on track or explore new areas.
Third year
- Talk through the process of declaring a major if you haven’t already declared. Most students need to declare by the time they earn 86 credits (or around the end of your third year).
- Review your year-by-year plan and make sure you’re on track with all your academic requirements.
- Work together on graduate school applications and requirements.
Fourth year
- Confirm all your major or certificate requirements are completed or scheduled.
- Get help with the process of applying for graduation!
Ready to connect with an advisor?
Academic advisors are available year-round to introduce you to opportunities and help you make decisions about your academic journey!